Such a welcome

Every day, at the same time, she walks, backpack on her back. Both straps fastened, limping. Hat and sunglasses on, even on cloudy days.

In the summer, she walks with purpose, as if determined her limp will not slow her down. In the winter, gingerly, with deliberation, so as not to fall.

And every day, like clockwork, a man meets her. A man walking two large dogs—mutts–who greet her as if she is Jesus Christ come to save them.

The man, too, lights up when he sees her, in a quiet, calm way.

She seems to be the center of this trio’s universe.

I am amazed at the synchronized timing of this group. What is it that she does, that she can with such surety be in front of my house at the same time, every day, give or take only a minute or two? And how does he manage to get to almost the same spot on the block to meet her every single time?

I marvel at this ability to plot life so dependably. Perhaps when I am their advanced age, I, too, will be able to count on doing one thing and only one thing at a time reliably and well; multitasking be damned.

What I love is the quiet joy and constancy that shines from this group as they greet each other. They seem to realize their days are numbered. That showing up for each other, day in and day out, matters.

Perhaps I read too much into the scene. But I doubt it.

I have the mutt. I hope when I walk with legs that have seen many more years, I also have the other faithful human companion.

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I definitely wish for a walking partner, K. I also wish for at least a part time “head on the other pillow” situation. Your story is so wonderful of the two people and dog who meet daily. Gingerly walking on slippery surfaces is something where a hand or arm to lean on would be nice to count on. ♡

Candace, I thoroughly enjoyed this short piece. Very poignant because my wife and I do things by clockwork at times. Yes, the dog is included. The only bright moment these two older people have may be the certain time each day when they meet. Not sure about you and maybe it’s the salesperson in me, but I’d make it a point to go outside to meet her, then ask her about the routine. Satisfy your curiosity and then write another brief story about it. If you go to my blog and keep scrolling down, you’ll come to a love story, ‘Love In a Parking Lot’. I think you’d enjoy it. Thanks for this one.

That you get to witness it every day is a beautiful gift!
They are sharing their story, maybe knowing or maybe not, but sharing it with you who in turn shared with us.
The joy of continuity seen from your perspective and the gift of sharing that feeling of happiness!

Love this. What is their story? Probably best it remains a mystery. Here we have an eccentric runner who is only ever seen, bare-chested, on a Sunday evening striding through the town blaring music as he goes. No one knows who he is or sees him any other time. The ongoing mystery is way better than what are probably the mundane facts.

I agree, Roy! Several times, I’ve thought of saying hello to figure it out but I’ve decided I love their inspiration from afar for now:). Your runner sounds eccentric:). Best admire from a distance also!